2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Dec 11 - 13

[Mattchu]

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

I do like this track for some reason, not quite sure why...Tough one to call on the running order this weekend, Merc and Red Bull should be upfront but the positions behind are a couple of tenths here and there between 5 teams!

Hopefully George gets to drive the Mercedes again as well, I can see him wiping the floor with Bottas around here...

[zibby43]

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

+1

As for the weekend, the Mercs love this circuit.

[godlameroso]

It's a circuit that while, it certainly benefits from a good front end, really rewards a car you drive with the rear axle. Take turn one, a very simple 90 degree mid speed corner, but the exit is anything but simple, you have to apply throttle early to get the car to rotate. The Mercedes has been designed to be driven this way from the onset due to it's long wheelbase. It's a car that you steer with the throttle, it has the rear end downforce and confidence to let you do it, despite it understeering a bit in the slow corners. Sector 3 is all about getting on the power.

Abu Dhabi is also a very nice benchmark to see the year on year improvements as the cars are in their final form and use a medium/high downforce setup.

Last year Hamilton destroyed everyone, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Verstappen. It will be interesting to see what the gap is this year. Since Mugello the RB16 has qualified closer to the Mercedes, especially on high downforce tracks, I'd say Yas Marina requires more load than Bahrain to get a good lap as sector 3 is so slow and awkward.

Edit*
So it seems they're bringing out the really soft tires for this race. Save those mediums....

[Unf]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

[NathanOlder]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

What everyone really should be wanting is Bottas to miss the race with Lewis back. The dream team.

[Just_a_fan]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

I want to see Russell and Hamilton racing each other in the Mercedes.

[MtthsMlw]

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

+1

As for the weekend, the Mercs love this circuit.

Thank you both
It ain't much but glad you enjoy them.

[NathanOlder]

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

@ MtthsMlw

Last time this season to say thanks for these

+1

As for the weekend, the Mercs love this circuit.

Thank you both
It ain't much but glad you enjoy them.

We all enjoy it, if everyone is like me, we get excited to see a new race thread up!

[adrianjordan]

Depends on his COVID tests most likely. If he starts returned them in time he can race. Quarantine is really for people that cannot afford daily tests.

I mean, maybe the law says 'two weeks quarantine no ifs and buts if you've tested positive', regardless of negative test results.

I do not think local law plays any role this weekend. As far as F1 is concerned, the agreement with the locals is that they stay inside their "bubble" and all usual rules are removed.
Also from the point of testing...the PCR test F1 uses is the most insensitive one can get. So there is a realistic chance that he tests negative few days after symptoms or positive test result as we have seen it with Perez and Stroll. With a sensitive test you can forget to test negative even two weeks after symptoms end.
The big question is rather how does he feel, does he still have symptoms?
I fear they keep super quiet on everything just for the reason, that his current symptom status would never result in a negative test if it is a good test...but they hope for a negative result in the insensitive F1 test.

So most probably no one can tell at the moment who will be in the faster Merc this weekend.

First I'd heard of this. What PCR test are they using?

[El Scorchio]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

I think that's just you. We're all well aware of your strong feelings about Hamilton, Bottas and the Mercedes team.

[Big Tea]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

I think that's just you. We're all well aware of your strong feelings about Hamilton, Bottas and the Mercedes team.

I have to admit I would be very interested in a Hamilton v Russell contest

[El Scorchio]

Nobody want to see Hamilton on track - all want to see Russell humiliating Bottas again

I think that's just you. We're all well aware of your strong feelings about Hamilton, Bottas and the Mercedes team.

I have to admit I would be very interested in a Hamilton v Russell contest

Would be great to see. I think 2022 could be the time for that, unless Hamilton calls it a day when the rule change kicks in.

[SiLo]

What's going to be interesting is the fight for 3rd between McLaren and Racing Point. I'd expect RP to be pretty decent here again like Bahrain. I think Renault is too far away now realistically.

[search]

yep, but Norris has a (almost brand) new engine, which may be bit of an advantage (especially compared to Perez' super old one). Not sure if the updated engine rules still allow a driver to go full out though, or if he has to use the same mode as his team mate

[PlatinumZealot]

The open nature of the back straight I imagine perez could take a penalty.

The power penalty for old rings is not as bad in the turbo engines of today. He can run a slightly higher engine mode and pray it doesnt sh*t the bed.